Monday March 10, 2008

National history in Photos

For the first time ever I went to the Shell sponsored Wildlife Photographer of the year Exhibition . This is staged at the London National History Museum. All the photos are available to look at at the site above but here are my favourites:

Polar Bears on ice . There were two photos of these bears this one graphically showing what life could be life when the ice they live on becomes fragmented and finally disappears for good.

The next one is of a herd of Zebras . nothing unusual in that except the camera was on the ground and activated by remote control. It is a miracle it survived but needed a good clean afterwards!

Nothing unusual perhaps about this Meerkat shot except it has a fly in it which has temporarily taken these wary animals interest from keeping an eye out for Sparrow Hawks.

This one is fantastic. It is a shark with a Pilot fish swimming in front of it.

A great reflection shot this . The alligator initially appears to be floating in the clouds until you realise the clouds are a reflection on the still water around the gater.

I did not know Penguin's could do this . It is called porpoising.

The last is not of animals but a chance shot of an aircraft against the moon. Fantastic shot

Each photo has a short paragraph by each photographer. The thing that stands out after reading them all is the dedication and innovation these people have to capture that perfect shot. Some built special hides, spent hours in freezing conditions and also put themselves at risk so we could enjoy our wildlife. There were awards for photographs taken by younger people which were very impressive. The exhibition is open until 27 April 2008. If you can get to London before then I would go. You need to buy tickets ahead of time as they are timed tickets.